Learning a musical instrument is a journey. From the first steps of learning notes, chords, rhythms, terminology, and basic techniques all the way to mastering songs, improvising, reading music, and performing on stage, we are here to support and encourage. We have all heard the phrase “It takes a village,” and that could not be more true in the case of learning the language of music. Parents, students, family, and friends should work together to help instill successful habits that will guarantee success. Let’s put first things first...there are a few keys ingredients to the successful mastery of any instrument.
The Five P's
Positive mental attitude
Practice
Patience
Persistence
Performance
You Positively Can Do This!
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” - Zig Ziglar (Motivational Speaker)
There is no question or doubt that you can do this. You are already a rockstar. Your teacher is only here to carve out your excellence. The curiosity and excitement that brought you to the instrument can carry you to the finish line of every goal your teacher sets. You truly can accomplish anything you set your mind to and have fun doing it!
How Long Should I Practice?
“I am always interested in what my players do during practice, but I am far more interested in what they do between practice.” - John Wooden (10 NCAA National Championships)
Each lesson will build from week to week. Much like learning a language, information and skill is cumulative. Practice time during the week is essential for consistent and, in some cases, rapid progress. A student does not need to practice hours on end. In the beginning we recommend 15 to 20 minutes, 3 days a week. As a student progresses, we encourage 5 days a week. The most important key to practice is spending time with the instrument as often as possible. Students are building a relationship with their instrument, and just like any relationship, as they get to know each other, they will naturally spend more time together.
Patience is required!
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” - Leo Tolstoy (Russian Writer)
If it was easy, everyone would do it. The early stages of learning can be frustrating at times. We must understand two important truths:
1.) Everyone learns at their own pace.
2.) You will get out what you put in.
Persist, don’t resist
“You make mistakes, mistakes don’t make you.” - Maxwell Maltz (Surgeon, Author)
It is completely natural to resist those parts of learning that are not immediately gratifying. Reading music, learning scales, playing with a metronome, repeating it all over and over again...these are typically the skills that students resist. Here is what we know:
1.) You are not alone
2.) Your teacher went through the same resistance
3.) Persistence will result in victory
Perform, Perform, Perform
“The wise musicians are those who can play what they master.” - Duke Ellington (Jazz Musician/Composer)
Much like our students, performance comes in all shapes and sizes, all styles, and all skill levels. Whether you have recently mastered your first chords or you have completed a challenging song after weeks of work, we encourage performance. In the beginning, this can be as simple as sitting down and playing for family and friends. Parents, please take the time to sit with your young learners and ask them to demonstrate what they have learned on a weekly or monthly basis. Students can perform at family gatherings as well. We offer monthly jam sessions as an opportunity for students to perform in a band setting with other students. In addition, we offer two Student Showcases so that students can perform on a real stage in front of an audience. Beyond these offerings, we regularly curate performances for charitable and community-related events around Los Angeles.
For more info on our Monthly Jam Click Here
For more info on our Student Showcases Click Here
Guaranteed Results
“I’ve always believed if you put in the work, results will come.” - Michael Jordan (Basketball Player)
Studying an instrument is a journey, not a destination. Though many students set out with the goal to master an instrument, the fun and rewarding benefits are in the process. Our teachers are educated musicians and successful performers, songwriters, and instrumentalists from all over the world with a passion for sharing their experience. For them, music has been an unbelievable life-changing vehicle. It brought them from where they were all the way into your home, excited to pass on their knowledge.
For students that apply the “Five P’s” principle, results are guaranteed. More importantly, your relationship with your teacher—your coach—will provide motivation, encouragement, guidance, and fun week after week, month after month.